Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada dsaly, Avalanche Canada

The stormy weather continues to hit the coast. Avalanche danger will remain elevated, give the snowpack time to settle and bond.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT - Snow, 10-20 cm and continuing into Sunday / southwest wind, 40-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1000 m in the south, near valley bottom in the north 

SUNDAY - Flurries, 5-10 cm / southwest wind, 30-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level 1000 m in the south, near valley bottom in the north

MONDAY - Mainly cloudy / increasing southwest wind, 30-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level rising to 1400 m in the south, near valley bottom in the north

TUESDAY - Snow, 20-30 cm / southwest wind, 50-90 km/h / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level dropping to valley bottom

Avalanche Summary

Continued stormy weather will mean that storm slabs are anticipated to be widespread and natural avalanches are expected. Wet loose avalanches may still be possible at lower elevations.

A natural avalanche cycle occurred Thursday into Friday, large (size 2-3) storm slab avalanches were reported along highway corridors. The largest (size 3) avalanches were observed in wind-loaded start zones in the alpine and treeline, but also included below tree line avalanches to size 2 failing on unsupported features. Wet-loose avalanches to size 1.5 were reported from steep rocky slabs below tree line.

There were a few natural avalanches up to size 3 reported in the north of the region on Wednesday. There was also one remotely triggered size 3 persistent slab avalanche reported in the north of the region.

There was a natural avalanche cycle reported on Tuesday, as well as numerous explosives triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 and a few human triggered size 1 avalanches.

On Monday, there were reports of widespread natural and explosives triggered avalanches up to size 3. The largest avalanches were reported in the north of the region where there has been more recent snow. The avalanches being reported closer to Terrace were generally in the size 1-2 range.

Snowpack Summary

Another 10-20 cm will accumulate through Sunday. Storm snow totals range around 80-140 cm, with 30-50 cm recent loose snow over older, more settled storm snow. Southerly winds have formed deep deposits in lee terrain and mild temperatures have encouraged settlement. Below 800 m rain on snow produced a moist and upside down snowpack, a crust will form as temperatures cool. 

In the Shames area, a weak layer of surface hoar has been reported in sheltered areas down around 120-180 cm. 

A bit further north in the Nass/Sterling/Beaupre areas, there is potentially still concern about an older weak layer overlying a crust that is now roughly 180-200 cm deep. 

In the far north of the region, there is concern about weak snow at the bottom of the snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy rain.
  • Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Incremental loading along with strong winds continues to develop storm slabs, expect slabs to be widespread and reactive.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

There are a few different persistent weak layers being reported throughout the region. They are all generally buried between 100-200 cm and tend to consist of either surface hoar or crusts with faceted snow sitting on them.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Rain below treeline region may produce wet loose avalanches. Avoid steep slopes and terrain traps at low elevations where the snow is wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2021 4:00PM